The aroma is dark roasted malts, fresh coffee, and a whisper of peppers.

The taste is a classic Rogue stout, roasty malts and coffee flavors with a tinge of hoppiness. The pepper flavor is subtle and not particularly hot up front. The heat comes through in the finish and beyond. In fact, the heat builds quite pleasantly as you drink - almost, but not quite, too hot.

The mouth feel is smooth, gently carbonated, and warm (then warmer and warmer).

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Last November I ran the Beards & Beers 5k. The theme is for the road race is, obviously, beards and beer. Last year, while I quaffed copious quantities of beer post race, sadly I was beardless. When I signed up for this year's road race I decided to rectify the situation.

I lack the genetics to actually grow a beard, but I have mad fiber skills. So, I decided to make one.

I looked at loads of patterns on the interwebs and finally settled on this pattern from Mad Min. It is quick, simple, and perfectly fits the bill.

This is a great pattern for a beginner crocheter since it uses simple stitches.

See ya at the Beards & Beers 5K. I'll be the one with the cool crocheted beard!!

Earloops:
Chain 10 ( you may have to measure against the person's ear the beard is intended for to ensure fit and may have to add more or less chain stitches to get a snug but comfortable fit). slip stitch to last stitch on Row 27 creating a loop for ear. Fasten off
Attach yarn to first stitch on Row 1. Chain 10 (or whatever you did on Row 27), slip stitch to last stitch of Row 1. Fasten off

Mustache:
Connect yarn to first Bobble stitch on Row 6 with a sc, begin crocheting a chain that will reach over to the opposite side snugly. ( I crocheted 8. Check fit if you can!) sc into first Bobble on Row 20 and
then turn. chain 1 double crochet (dc) into first sc, dc into 3 chain stitches, Sc in next two chain stitches, dc over last 3 chain stitches, dc into last sc, slip stitch next to last sc into beard. ( 8dc, 2 sc) (If you chained more or less just adjust he number of dc so you have 2 sc in the center). Fasten off and weave in ends.